One of our students has taken a venture into the cycling industry, spending a weekend at the National BMX Series along with British Cycling.
Ben Blake, a BA (Hons) Sports Business and Sports Broadcasting student at our Wembley Campus, worked on the live stream and commentary during the weekend, as well as conducting interviews with riders taking part.
The opportunity came about for Ben by contacting British Cycling, who offered him the chance to work at the BMX National Series.
He said: “On the day, I was given full access to all departments - photography, videography, commentary and I had access to the whole circuit all day.
“I filmed footage for my coursework as well as for the British Cyling and BMX race hub channels, some of which was used in their highlights.
“I was mainly assisting in this, for example with the drone and gyroscopes, but was given the opportunity to use the equipment myself too.
“I also interviewed lots of riders, coaches and staff members on the day as part of the news package we were filming.”
He added: “I took away lots of knowledge about the sport, as well as footage for my coursework project! I was also able to learn how to use a range of industry standard equipment taught from a range of professionals.
“I have also taken away lots of contacts and will be able to organise future experiences, which is something I’d love to do because cycling is a huge passion of mine.
“The cycling scene is active year-round, my specific interest being road cycling which runs from March to August annually. My dream would be commentating/presenting on the Grand Tours.”
To find out more about work experience and placements on offer at UCFB, click here.